The movement to legitimize hemp as a food plant has opened the minds of many to the remarkable benefits of this misunderstood plant. When you hear cannabis sativa what springs to mind? Marijuana, rope or an ideally nutritious seed?
More and more, people intent on superior nutrition are becoming convinced of the singular benefits of hemp’s edible, nutritious seeds. Amongst nutritional plants, hemp seeds alone deliver easily digestible essential amino acids and the perfect ratio of essential fatty acids.
What are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seed?
Hemp seed contains roughly 30% nutritional oil, 25% unique protein, and the balance is fibre, both soluble and insoluble. Hemp’s protein content is unique, supplying all 10 essential amino acids and essential fatty acids (EFA) in a highly digestible form. These nutrients are termed essential because, while they are essential to our bodies’ function, they are not manufactured in the body and thus must be supplied by the diet.
Hemp seed contains albumin and 65% globulin edistin, the highest level of any nutritional seed. Thus, consuming hemp seed gives the body the right kind and the right relative amounts of essential amino acids needed to produce both serum albumin, the fluid portion of the blood, and serum globulins including the gamma globulins which enhance immune function.
Hemp seed was used successfully in Czechoslovakia to treat the nutritional deficits consequent to tuberculosis, a disease which blocks nutrition, thus causing life-threatening wasting.
Compared with flax seed, hemp supplies significantly higher levels of iron, magnesium, and manganese. These seeds are also rich in vitamin C, and the anti-oxidants vitamin E and chlorophyll.
Fortunately, no genetic modification of hemp has taken place, and pesticides and other chemicals are not required in its cultivation.
Hemp oil and it's perfect nutritional balance
Relatively new to the market, hemp oil is produced from the raw seeds in a press which rotates slowly to prevent heat build-up. This process yields a highly nutritious oil with a unique profile. Like flax oil and many raw unrefined oils, hemp oil must never be heated, and should be refrigerated in opaque containers and used quickly to assure its freshness.
Researchers in human biochemistry have concluded that most cancers and cardiovascular disease are nutritional diseases, brought on by consuming refined vegetable oils which alter essential fatty acids into carcinogens. What is needed for good health is high quality, natural oils with ideal components in proper ratio.
Udo Erasmus, acknowledged expert on nutritional oils, declares in his book, Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, that hemp oil is nature’s most perfectly balanced oil. It is high in several nutrients crucial to good health, including a high level of omega-3s, fatty acids which reduce the tendency of blood to clot, and improve cholesterol ratios.
The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s are a boon to those suffering from autoimmune disorders and arthritis. Hemp oil also supplies nearly 2% GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), rare in plant sources.
Hemp oil’s unique 2:5:1 ratio of omega-3s, omega-6s, and GLA is optimal for treating difficult skin conditions including psoriasis, acne and eczema. Further, this oil is composed of nearly 80% polyunsaturated oils.
Pleasantly nutty flavored, hemp oil supplies more EFAs than flax oil and contains 57% LA (linoleic acid) and 20% LNA (linolenic acid) in the 3:1 ratio which our bodies need.
These essential fatty acids are the basic building blocks of EPA and DHA which occur in cold water fish. Incorporating this oil into the diet encourages strong nail growth and smoother, thicker hair.
Hemp Milk
A great alternative to soya milk and perfect for vegans, hemp milk has a nutty taste and can be used to make raw hemp milk shakes. Check out this hemp foods video for more information.
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